New waste management system coming to Halton

Residents in Halton will have to get used to a new waste management system from the beginning of April.

The region's Waste Management Services will see a reduction in the amount of rubbish bags they put out – about 50 per cent – while an increase in the amount of rubbish they can put in their blue boxes will also be witnessed.

This was outlined at a recent Halton Hill Council meeting, with Rob Rivers, director of Waste Management Services, explaining the reason behind the move, reported Waste Management World.

He told attendees that the driving force behind the change is a desire to see the area reduce the amount of waste households produce and for recycling to take its place.

Additionally, he wants to extend the life of Halton's landfill, which is expected to reach capacity by 2040. Mr Rivers hopes to add a further four years to this, which will provide breathing space to come up with other innovative solutions.

Commencing on April 1st, residents will therefore be able to put out the equivalent of three standard garbage bags, while a further three bags with special tags can also be put out.

These tags will eventually come with a fee, which officials hope will contribute to less waste – people will not want to spend money, unless it is absolutely essential.

A lot of effort is going in to help residents with the change in policy. For example, if there is any additional rubbish bag than the agreed three, and they do not have a tag, officials will sticker them with a sorry sign.

This will help to remind them to either tag surplus rubbish, or attempt to keep within the new limit.

To make up for the shortfall in space, the blue boxes capacity will be extended, and residents will be able to dispose additional items. This includes clear plastic clamshell containers, plastic plates, cups and coffee lids and empty metal paint cans.

New larger blue boxes will also replace the older smaller ones, and will have a 22-gallon capacity.

Posted by Claire Manning